In his first week of trading a Card Connection franchise owner was already earning an income from his business. Geoff Holland, who previously managed a forecourt, took over the Buckinghamshire and Aylesbury region. Geoff joined the company at the end of last year just before the major uplift in Card Connection Christmas greeting card sales.

Andrew Cutler, Card Connection's Sales Director, said: 'This timing would have proved a steep learning curve for any franchise owner but Geoff was earning an income within the first few days of setting up his franchise. Just six months later, he is already talking about expanding his business.'

Geoff commented: 'Having managed a petrol station forecourt for 15 years, I am very conscious of the importance of excellent customer service. I was a Card Connection retail customer for a long time so I already knew the business model delivered the kind of customer focus that builds a successful enterprise. When the franchise came up for sale I jumped at the opportunity to run my own Card Connection business.'

Card Connection franchise owners place greeting card ranges in retail outlets on a consignment basis. This means the stock and display equipment is installed on free loan to the retailer. This is one step beyond sale or return, as Card Connection customers never have to buy the stock in the first place, only paying for what they sell.

Geoff added: 'I found Card Connection's infrastructure was designed to help its franchise owners maximise the profit of their businesses, so after my initial, two weeks' intensive training, I was on the road, bringing home a profit, almost from day one. It's required a lot of hard work to get the franchise up and running and because you are taking over an existing business, customers need attention right from the outset. However, the advantage of being self-employed is that you reap the rewards of all the effort you put in. The business is doing well and I am looking at taking on a part time helper in the near future, and longer-term, perhaps even look at expanding my territory.'

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